Home United down Ceres-Negros to win AFC Cup ASEAN Zone

Home United were crowned the AFC Cup ASEAN Zone champions on Wednesday after beating Ceres-Negros 2-0 to complete a 3-1 aggregate victory.

Following a goalless first half at Jalan Besar Stadium, Shakir Hamzah put the Singaporean outfit ahead two minutes after the hour mark with a thumping header before Song Ui-young added a second in the 74th minute to seal the victory.

Carli de Murga and Stephan Schrock both sent decent efforts narrowly wide, before Home goalkeeper Rudy Khairullah did well to make a double save to deny both Patrick Reichelt and Blake Powell.

Despite losing out in the possession stakes, Home looked dangerous when they did go forward and a fierce freekick from Izzdin Shafiq had to be pushed over by Toni Doblas.

Ceres were however dealt a huge blow shortly before halftime when Patrick Reichelt went in bravely for a header and collided with Rudy, with the Philippines international needing several minutes of treatment before being stretchered off.

But, with 16 minutes remaining, Home produced the knockout punch as Faritz Hameed’s lovely first-time cross from the right found Song, who perfectly guided a header into the bottom corner to make sure of the win – and the title of ASEAN Zone champions – for his side.

Home have now advanced to the inter-zone semi-finals and will meet 4.25 SC of DPR Korea, with the first leg set to take place in Singapore on August 21.